Symptoms
Dementia information
The symptoms of MCI do not normally affect daily life, but everyone’s experience is different.
In this section:
Symptoms of mild cognitive impairment
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Memory problems: Misplacing items or having trouble remembering recent conversations
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Changes in attention: Finding it difficult to concentrate, such as while watching a TV programme or carrying out duties at work
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Communication difficulties: such as problems finding the right words
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Changes to thinking skills: Problems with planning or completing tasks, e.g. managing money, or cooking a meal
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Changes to mood and behaviour: Becoming irritable, anxious, or feeling low
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Disorientation: Confusion about time, date or place
These symptoms may affect someone with MCI all the time, or they might come and go. This will depend on the underlying cause.
Anyone worried about their health, including mild changes to their memory and thinking, should make an appointment with their doctor as soon as possible. Getting an early and accurate diagnosis is important.
What is the difference between mild cognitive impairment and dementia?
The word dementia describes a group of symptoms that affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.
It is caused by a range of diseases, with Alzheimer’s being the most common.
Dementia symptoms include:
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memory problems
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confusion
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communication difficulties
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mood changes.
A person with dementia will usually have at least two of these symptoms, which get worse over time.
Someone with MCI has mild symptoms and may not be affected in as many ways.
So, people with MCI are usually able to work, drive and manage day-to-day tasks safely and without support from other people.
Downloads
Dementia information
Read more about treatments for dementia, including information on treating depression, anxiety and agitation and for information on antipsychotics.
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PDF, 1.25 MB, 13 pages
Find out more
You can find out more about current diagnosis and treatments for each type of dementia on the following pages:
Order health information
Alzheimer's Research UK has a wide range of information about dementia. Order booklets or download them from our online form.
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This information was updated in November 2025 and is due to be reviewed in November 2027. It was written by Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Information Services team with input from lay and expert reviewers. Please get in touch if you’d like a version with references or in a different format.
This information is produced with support from The Perfume Shop who had no input into the content.
